Venetian blind head-bar assembling device



Nov. 29, 1949 H. NELSON 2,489,663

VENETIAN BLIND HEAD-BAR AssEMBLING DEVICE Filed Dec. 5, 1946 2 sheets-sheet 1 g1g /9 Zmventot 2] 20 20 2, )Harry ./Velson (IttornegS Nov. 29, 1949 H. NELSON VENETIAN BLIND HEAD-BAR ASSEMBLING DEVICE 2* Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 5. 1946 (Ittornegs Patented Nov. 29,1949

regimi 'y HEAD-BAR ASSEMBLING DEVICE:

Harry Nelson,l New York," N. Y1, assigner to' Lorentzen Hardware Mfg. Corp., New York, N'.-Y'., a corporation of New Yorkv Applicatiqnnecmber, 5, 1946,- seriaiNo. 714,211.

1f. This invention relates to the ass'einbly of' Venetian blinds and more particularly to aftoolf for applying braces to the free longitudinal edges of channel-shaped metal Venetian blind, head balS. l

Channelsshape'd metal head bars' 'are frelquently' employed 'in the construction of Venetian blinds. It is advantageous to make such head b ars from relatively light gauge meta1,. not-only' geminis; i (Cl. 153-39) 2 including a pressure-applying portionor hammerarranged to move toward the anvil upon operation:- oftheY lever. The. lever. is normally retained? ,I in" raised position bya spring, in which positionv i the hammer is,widelyfseparated'irom the 'anvillj f An vobject of this inventionis to provide a toolI for" the easy and rapid installationv ofbraces of. tlietype. described' in Venetian blind head bars,

Another' objectvr ofthe invention is topro'vide for economy and forconveni'ence inshapiig and abac'e-applying tool thatwill'maintain the brace` cutting'the head bars but also for ease in han!` dli'ng the iinishe'd blinds.' Such head barsare; often' provided with inwardly turned, open,.longi` tudi'nal beads along the free edges of the'cliannel, these beads serving to 'nish'the channel' off I'zvi'de such a tool that" will quickly and" positively;l

smoothly and reinforce the edges. 'It has been found' desirable to reinforce 'the cliannel-by.v meansl of transverse braces extending between the free edges of the channel; OnecentralIy-locatedbrace y will sufce for a short head bar, but/usuallytwd or" more' braces arey positioned at intervals along.

the length of the head han Each brace hasho'olied" ends` which are adapted tobe interlockedl with' the'be'adsof theciann'el. One Style'ofb'raol that has proved satisfactory formed of 'alst p" of relatively soft metal which is provided hooked ends; The strip constituting'thebrace isf so shaped that', prior to installation, it extends upwardly and then downwardly forming," an inverted V`. The hooked ends of' the brace@ are adapted to be inserted into theV beads" of! the channel', after which the brace is reshapedl, preferably in such fashion asto straighten the; brace; The reshaping rocks theV hooked ends of the brace, causing them to interlockwith the' beads and establish Va rigid connection' between the free edges ofthe channel and? the brace; Braces and channels'of'the' type being consideredl are also disclosedA in my copending" application November 30, 1948 as Patent 2,455,135.

The tool of the present invention partic'zu larly intended for applyingbracessuch"asabo'vei described to channelshapedmetal,Venetianblird head bars. In the form disclosed, this' tool" ii1" cludesa base which isprovid'ed withflangesiwhich extend outwardly andv4 then downwardly, these flanges being', adapted. for engagement with the sides of the channel-shaped head bari tol retain the'base. in operating position thereon. 'Anlarvl projects centrally from onel endlol,` and slightly below the level of the base, the anvil being,``

designed to be inserted immediately beneaththe'A nal' position of the bracei to be applied. A leven'.

is mounted for oscillation on the basathe lever in engagement with beads ofthe headbar while" the brace is being r'eshaped to interlock it with te'headbar.

An additionall object of the invention is to prof positionv the brace at right anglesv to the lengt/'lil of the headbar. l A' A. further object'oi vthe invention is tolprovidell sucia a toer that 'win guide tneenus kOrl-,he b'rae'ef 2c" um), been engaging position during. the braeeg applyiiigoperation. Still fither' object Oftli'einvention SV to; provide such` a toolthatwillso reshape a brace. of thetype describedfas'v to leave the bracestraightf 2%? after the pre'ssir'e oil the tool hasbeen removed,V

St11`further Objects of the inverition-A are' to provide such a" tooldwhich can. be cheaply vand" easily manufactured, and which will` be durable andservice'able in its operation 30"" Further objects and'nobjects relating.' t`o di-'.y

tails and v'economies of"vmanuifacture and use will@ more definitely appear from the detailed descrip-l tion to follow. d

My invention is clearly defined inY the claims..

In the claims, as well'a's in the description, parts are.' aty times identified by specific names for clarity and convenience, but suchv nomenclature is to be understood` as having the broadest mean,` Y A ingl consistent with thecontextand with the con- I Serial No. 601,671, led June2d, 194:5 and iss'u'ed" cept vof my invention asv distinguished from tlie':v

pertinent prior art. ".Ih'e best'. form in which I" have contemplated applying my invention is illus trated 'in the accompanying Adrawings forming." part of thisspeciiicationrin which: v 45* Fig, 1l is' a perspective 4View of' the tool, theI channel'and brace being,- indicated.. *n

'.lig.A 2, isy a perspective viewof a. brace which in; Fig. 2.

4 isa top plan view ofthe brace shown in;

rig. 2';

Fig. 5 is a sideelevationpf the tool'l in positionf; sion ahead bar, the brace being shown and a por-Y cured position on the head bar but before removal of the hammer pressure therefrom.

Fig. 9 is a vertical cross section through the head bar similar to Fig. 8, the tool having been removed.

Fig. 10 is a detailed vertical cross section showing the engagement of an end of the brace in a bead of the head bar before straightening the brace.

Fig. 11 is a detailed view similar to Fig. 10 after straightening of the brace.

For a complete understanding of the braceapplying tool, an understanding of the detailed construction of the head bar and the brace is first necessary. Referring to Figs. 1 and 6, a head bar I5 is formed of sheet metal and is of channel-shaped cross section. An open, inwardly turned, round longitudinal bead I6 is formed along each of the free longitudinal edges of the head bar I5. The metal of which the head bar I5 is formed may be corrugated if desired to increase the strength of the bar.

The brace I1, which is best seen in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, is formed of a rectangular strip of relatively soft metal such as miid steel, preferably having an inverted V-shape as shown in Fig. 3. Each end I9 of the brace is upwardly bent into hook shape, the hook formation including a small bend at transverse bending line 29 and further bending in the transverse Zone 2I. The ends of the brace I1 beyond the zones 2I, `2I are substantially vertical to facilitate their insertion in the beads I6, I6 of the head bar I5. The relationshipof size of the head bar I5 and the brace I1 is such that, when the intermediary portion 22 of thev In the application of the brace I1 to the headv bar I5 the ends I9, I9 of the brace are telescoped into the open beads I6, I6 of the head bar, the sides of the head bar being manually iiexed toward each other as shown in Figs. 1 and 6. After engagement of the brace I1 with the head bar I5, the intermediary portion 22 of the brace is straightened, thus causing the hooked end portions I9, I9 of the brace to firmly interlock with the beads I6, I6 of the head bar as shown in Figs. 9 and 11. During the straightening of the brace, it is essential that the hooked ends I9, I9 be maintained within the beads I6, I6. The action of straightening the intermediary portion 22 of the brace I1 hooks the ends I9, I9 of the brace into rm interlocking engagement with the bead, thus resulting in a permanent attachment of the brace to the head bar that will rmly resist displacement.

The tool for applying the brace I1 includes a base 24 which may be formed as a rigid sheet metal stamping. At one end the base 24 has a pair of flanges 25, 25 which extends outwardly and then downwardly, and at the other end the base has a pair of similar flanges 26, 26. Each flange 25 is in alignment with a flange 26. The flanges 25, 25, as well as the anges 26, 26, are so spaced that the base 24 will span the open side of the head bar I5 as shown in Fig. 8, the ilanges 25, 25 and 26, 26 projecting downwardly outside of the head bar. These four flanges may be outwardly inclined somewhat for ease of engagement of the tool with the head bar. An additional pair of depending longitudinal anges 21, 21 isformed on the base 24 between the pairs of flanges 25, 25 and 26, 26, the flanges 21, 21 being spaced somewhat closer together than the other flanges, so that they will enter between the sides of the head bar I5 even when the head bar I5 is held in the somewhat collapsed condition shown in Fig. 6 prior to straightening the Abrace I1.

. The base 24 is split at its forward end into two bifurcate portions 29 which are offset downwardly as shown. Together these portions form a generally horizontally projecting shelf` or anvil 28 positioned a short distance below the level of the remainder of the base 24. rlhe surfaces of the portions 29, 29 are slightly inwardiy inclined so as to form a Very at V, as best shown in Figs. 6 and 8. In addition, the forward tips 36, 36 of the bifurcate portions 29, 29 are inclined downwardly somewhat as seen in Figs. 6 and 7 in order to facilitate introduction of the anvil 28 beneath a brace I1 to be applied to the head bar.

A channel 3I is secured to the top surface of the base 24 by spot welding or otherwise fastening the bottom 32 of the channel along the longitudinal center line of the base 24. A transverse pin 34 pierces the side walls 35, 35 of the channel 3I,being held captive by cotter pins 36, 36 which pass through the ends of the pin.

A' hand lever 31 is rotatably mounted between the legs 35, 35 of the channel 3l, being journaled on the pin 34, and being arranged to be oscillated forwardly toward the anvil 28. The lever 31, which may be considered as a hammer or pressure-applying means, includes a rectangular block 39 through which the pin 34 passes. Attached to the upper forward surface of block 39 there is asecond block 40, which is provided with a slightly rounded contour on its forward surface 4 I.l The block 40 is so positioned that the surface' 4I thereof will approach and contact, or nearly contact, the upper surface of the anvil 28, the rounded contour of the forward surface 4I then lying'generally parallel to the upper surface of the anvil as shown in Fig. 8. The block 46 may be secured in position on the block 39 by a screw 38 passing through the block 39 and threadedly engaged in a bore 43 of the block 46. An operating rod or handle 42 projecting from the upper end of the block 39 completes the lever 31. The rod 42 may be slightly rearwardly inclined at a point 44 between its ends for convenience of operation. f

A tab 45, upwardly directed from the base 32 of the channel 3l, is provided with a hole 46 near its upper end. This tab serves as an anchor for one end of a helical spring 41, the other end of the spring being attached to an eye 49 secured to the block 39. The spring 41 biases the lever 31 into normally raised position as shown in'Figs.'1 and 5.

Preparatory to the operation of the above-described tool, a brace I1 is placed at the desired installation point along the head bar and the ends I9, I9 of the brace telescoped into the beads I6, I6 of the head bar, the sides of the head bar being manually flexed toward each other to permit the brace to be inserted. The brace-apply,

I1 againsgtm beads I6, I6 where it is maintained by the anvil. The vertical part of the bifurcate portionsyZS-i 29?; forming the anvil sstveeto. adiustthe .brasa l1 nositien .at right anglesto the sides of the headbar |5511Y` ithas, not originally been placed in such' position.

To interlockithebracaxlhwithrthezhead bar l5, the lever31 is oscillated forwardly and downward.- lyz for a, single stroke as indicatedin Figs. 7and8. 'lhislisjaccgmplishedby the handofi the operator, theoperation" ofthe too1`being facilitated-if the other handbe placed" on the rearportioniof the ba'jseldg: Oscillation of'theleve rje'ngagesthe surface `4I; withi the intermediaryl portion 22.1 of the brace I1,A forcingthis portion downwardly on the anvil 28. Inasmuchasetheaanvil[is supporting the ends.. I9, I9 of the brace,u I1, Ithe intermediary@ portion of the brace tened as indicated in Figs. 8 andi),- thus hooking' the end portions I9, I 9 of the brace into rm interlocking relationship with the beads I6, I6 of the head bar.

Itl has been found preferable to force theintermediary portion 22 of the brace I1 slightly below the straight position, as best shown in Fig. 8, so that when pressure on the brace is relieved the resilience of the metal will cause it to take the straight position shown in Fig. 9. For this purpose the anvil has a flat V-shape as above described.

After reshaping the brace I1 to applied position, as above described, the lever 31 is released and the tool retracted from engagement with the brace by sliding it back along the head bar I5, after which the tool may be removed. l

I claim:

1. A tool for reshaping an initially-bent brace and simultaneously attaching the ends thereof to the sides of a channel-shaped metal Venetian blind head bar, said tool comprising a base plate, means for supporting said plate on the longitudinal edges of the head bar channel, an anvil projecting from one end of and generally parallel to and slightly below said plate and adapted to be positioned beneath a brace spanning the open side of the channel, and means mounted on said plate for forcing an intermediary portion of the brace towards the anvil to straighten the same and thereby secure the brace in the head bar.

2. A tool for reshaping an initially-bent brace and simultaneously attaching the ends thereof to the sides of a channel-shaped metal Venetian blind head bar, said tool comprising a base adapted to be supported by the longitudinal edges of the head bar channel and having downwardly projecting flanges to aid in maintaining it in temporary position on the channel, an anvil mounted -ron the base and adapted to be positioned beneathy a brace spanning the open side of the head bar, and a cooperating pressure-applying member mounted for oscillation on the base and movable towards the anvil for reshaping an intermediary portion of the brace with resultant attachment ofl the ends of the brace to the sides of the channel.

3. A tool for reshaping an initially-bent brace and simultaneously attaching the ends thereof to wardly directed projectionstoaid in maintaining;A

it in temporarygposition on .the channel, an anvil@ carried bythebaseand adaptedto. be positioned beneath a. bracespanning; the: open side of the. heady bar, and a Cooperating. pressure-applying;

,f member connected'withthe base andmovablethet Wards they anvil; for reshaping; an interneediaryrI nortonof the brace with resultant attachment of?! the. ends of. the brace tofthe sidesof the channel.,l

e.. .A tool for reshaping an initially-bent bracel annil simultaneouslyattahinathe. ends thereof te fthe Sides f a. c.han..nel-Shape d meta1 venetiam blindA headbarf.. said tool comprising an elongated.base.:eanhfend ofsaidbase having a nainY of flanges extending. outwardly and downwardlyt and so spaced that thebasewll span the` opere side of the head bar with'the flanges outside oft` thefhead bar, anadditional-pair of downwardly@V protruding anges sopositioned that they. willi. enter between sides of the'headbar, they forward end of said basebeing'split 4intoa bifurcated-.po1r-,7 tion offset downwardlyto. form an anvil,- lihetopr;I surfaces of said,l portion beingr slightly inclined;

inwardly so as to formavery. flatv v; 'said-anvil@ being adapted to be positionedy beneath a bracci ,spanningthe openvsideeof the headbar, azchaner nel secured to the top of said base along its longitudinal center line, and a pressure-applying means pivotally mounted between the legs of said channel and arranged to be cscillated forwardly toward the anvil for reshaping an intermediary portion of the brace with resultant attachment of the ends of the brace to the sides of the channel.

5. A tool for reshaping an initially-bent brace and simultaneously attaching the ends thereof to the sides of a channel-shaped metal Venetian blind head-bar, said tool comprising a base adapted to span between the longitudinal edges of the head-bar channel, the base being provided with formations to aid in maintaining it in ternporary position on the channel, an anvil mounted on the base and adapted to be positioned beneath a brace spanning the open side of the head-bar channel, and a lever mounted on the base and oscillatable towards the anvil for forcing an intermediary portion of the brace towards the anvil to straighten the same and thereby secure the brace in the head-bar.

6. A tool for reshaping an initially-bent brace and simultaneously attaching the ends thereof to the sides of a channel-shaped metal Venetian blind head-bar, said tool comprising a base adapted to span between the longitudinal edges of the head-bar channel, the base being provided with formations to aid in maintaining it in temporary position on the channel, an anvil mounted on the base and adapted to be positioned beneath a brace spanning the open side of the head-bar channel, and means mounted on the base for forcing an intermediary portion of the brace towards the anvil to straighten the same and thereby secure the brace in the head-bar.

'1. A tool for reshaping an initially-bent brace and simultaneously attaching the ends thereof to the sides of a channel-shaped Venetian blind head-bar, said tool comprising a base adapted to span between the longitudinal edges of the headbar channel, the base being provided with vertical formations tting beside the edges of the headbar channel to aid in maintaining the base in temporary position on the channel, an anvil mounted on the base and adapted to be positioned beneath a brace spanning the open side of the head-bar channel, and means mounted on the base for forcing an intermediary portion of the brace towards the anvil to straighten the same and thereby secure the brace in the head-bar.

. 8. A tool for reshaping an initially-bent brace and simultaneously attaching the ends thereof to the sides oi a channel-shaped metal Venetian blind head-bar, said tool comprising a base adapted to span between and be supported by the longitudinal edges of the head-bar channel and having spaced projections fitting beside each side of each longitudinal edge of the head-bar channel to aid in maintaining it in temporary position on the channel, an anvil carried by the base and adapted to be positioned beneath a brace spanning the open side of the head-bar, and a cooperating pressure applying member connected with the base and movable towards the anvil for reshaping an intermediary portion of the brace with resultant attachment of the ends of the brace to the sides of the channel.

9. A tool for reshaping an initially-bent brace and simultaneously attaching the ends thereof to the sides of a channel-shaped metal Venetian blind head-bar, said tool comprising a generally flat base adapted to span between and be supported by the longitudinal edges of the head-bar channel and having spaced projections tting beside each side of each of the longitudinal edges4` ofthe channel to aid in maintaining it in tem porary position on the channel, an anvil carried bythe base and adapted to be positioned beneath attachment of the ends of the brace to the sides` of the channel.

HARRY NELSON.'

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 179,501 Aya July 4, 1876 1,111,143 Duncan Sept. 22, 1914 1,533,591 Hall Apr. 14, 1925 1,784,018 McNabb Dec. Y9, 1930 1,839,429 Weaver Jan. 5, 1932 2,313,228 Domonkos Mar. 9,' 1943 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 423,176 Great Britain Jan. 28, 1935 

